Are Cosmeceuticals Safer?

The term "cosmeceuticals" is not unfamiliar in the skincare world. Many people believe they are safer than regular skincare products, especially suitable for sensitive or problematic skin. But are cosmeceuticals really safer? Do they actually have "repair" functions? Today, we'll uncover the truth about cosmeceuticals.

1. What are Cosmeceuticals?

Cosmeceuticals, also known as "medical skincare products" or "cosmeceutical products," are a category of products between medicines and regular cosmetics. The name sounds like it has something to do with "medicine," but in reality:

❌ Cosmeceuticals Are Not Medicines

Medicines need to undergo strict clinical verification and have clear therapeutic effects, while cosmeceuticals are essentially still skincare products and do not have therapeutic effects.

✅ Cosmeceuticals Are a Type of Skincare Product

Their formulations are usually more simplified, claiming to be suitable for sensitive or problematic skin, but they have not undergone drug-level approval and regulation.

The concept of cosmeceuticals originated abroad, such as French brands like Avène and La Roche-Posay, which focus on "gentle, low-sensitivity, suitable for sensitive skin." However, domestically, cosmeceuticals do not have a clear legal definition and are more a product of marketing promotion.

2. Characteristics of Cosmeceuticals

Compared to regular skincare products, cosmeceuticals usually have the following characteristics:

🧪 Simplified Ingredients

The ingredient list of cosmeceuticals is usually shorter, avoiding the addition of irritating ingredients such as fragrances, alcohol, and dyes. For example:

• Avène Sensitive Skin Skincare Products: Simple ingredients, focusing on moisturization, without fragrances and alcohol
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Cream: Simplified ingredients, suitable for sensitive skin

💧 Focus on Gentle Moisturization

The main function of cosmeceuticals is moisturization, not whitening or anti-wrinkle effects. Their marketing focus is usually on "gentle," "low-sensitivity," "suitable for sensitive skin," rather than "repair" or "treatment."

🚫 Without Strong Active Ingredients

Cosmeceuticals usually avoid adding high-concentration active ingredients such as AHAs, salicylic acid, and tretinoin to reduce skin irritation.

3. Are Cosmeceuticals Really Safer?

The safety of cosmeceuticals is relatively high, but not absolutely safe. Here are several key points:

⚖️ The Safety of Cosmeceuticals Is Relative

Although cosmeceuticals have simplified ingredients, they still contain chemical components (such as preservatives, emulsifiers, etc.), which may irritate sensitive skin. For example:

• Some cosmeceuticals may not contain fragrances but may still contain preservatives (such as phenoxyethanol), which still pose potential risks to sensitive skin
• The "gentleness" of cosmeceuticals is relative to regular skincare products, but for severely damaged skin barriers, they may still cause discomfort

❌ Cosmeceuticals Do Not Have Repair Functions

Many people believe that cosmeceuticals can "repair" sensitive skin, but in reality:

Skin repair is spontaneous: The skin's barrier function needs to be completed through its own metabolism, and external skincare products cannot directly "repair" damaged skin cells.

Cosmeceuticals can only provide assistance: The moisturizing effect of cosmeceuticals can alleviate skin dryness, but cannot fundamentally repair barrier function.

For example, a user used a well-known cosmeceutical brand for 10 years, but their skin remained sensitive, which shows that cosmeceuticals cannot "cure" sensitive skin.

🚨 Limitations of Cosmeceuticals

The main function of cosmeceuticals is moisturization and they cannot solve the following problems:

• Root causes of sensitive skin: Such as over-cleansing, exfoliation, environmental irritation, etc.
• Skin diseases: Such as eczema, dermatitis, etc., which require medical treatment rather than skincare products
• Functional needs: Such as whitening, anti-wrinkle, etc. Cosmeceuticals usually do not contain high-concentration active ingredients, so their effects are limited

4. Who Are Cosmeceuticals Suitable For?

Cosmeceuticals are suitable for the following groups of people, but their effects should be viewed rationally:

😰 Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin has low tolerance to external stimuli, and the simplified formulations of cosmeceuticals can reduce the risk of irritation. However, note:

• Not all sensitive skin is suitable for cosmeceuticals, and personal skin conditions should be considered
• If skin sensitivity is severe, it is recommended to consult a doctor first rather than rely on cosmeceuticals

🔧 Slightly Damaged Skin Barrier

Slightly damaged skin barriers (such as dryness caused by seasonal changes) can use cosmeceutical moisturization, but over-reliance should be avoided.

😊 Normal Skin

Normal skin has no special advantages in using cosmeceuticals, and regular moisturizing products can meet the needs.

5. How to Choose Cosmeceuticals Properly?

If you decide to try cosmeceuticals, you can refer to the following suggestions:

1️⃣ Check the Ingredient List

Choose products with simple ingredients that do not contain fragrances, alcohol, or irritating preservatives. For example:

• Prioritize products with gentle moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid
• Avoid cosmeceuticals containing high-concentration active ingredients (such as AHAs, salicylic acid)

2️⃣ Perform a Skin Test

Before using a new product, first test it behind the ear or on the inner wrist to observe if there are any adverse reactions such as redness or itching.

3️⃣ View Promotions Rationally

Don't be misled by promotional terms such as "repair" or "cure." The main function of cosmeceuticals is moisturization, not treatment.

4️⃣ Combine with Other Skincare Measures

Cosmeceuticals are only part of skincare. Improving sensitive skin also requires combining with the following measures:

• Avoid over-cleansing and exfoliation
• Do a good job of sun protection (prioritize physical protection such as hats and umbrellas)
• Maintain good lifestyle habits (such as adequate sleep and balanced diet)

6. Analysis of Common Cosmeceutical Brands

🇫🇷 Avène

• Characteristics: Main ingredient is thermal spring water, focusing on soothing and moisturizing
• Suitable for: Sensitive skin, barrier-damaged skin
• Note: Not all products are completely non-irritating

🇫🇷 La Roche-Posay

• Characteristics: Relatively simplified ingredients, with product lines targeting different skin problems
• Suitable for: Sensitive skin, problematic skin
• Note: Some products still contain active ingredients

🇫🇷 Vichy

• Characteristics: Contains mineral thermal spring water, focusing on anti-sensitivity
• Suitable for: Sensitive skin, skin needing basic moisturization
• Note: Effects vary from person to person

7. Summary

The safety of cosmeceuticals is relatively high, but not absolutely safe. Their main function is moisturization, not "repair" or "treatment." Sensitive skin or barrier-damaged skin can try cosmeceuticals, but their effects should be viewed rationally to avoid over-reliance.

If your skin problems are severe, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor rather than rely solely on skincare products. Remember, the core of skincare is "protection," not "harassment." Scientific skincare can make your skin healthy and beautiful!

Key Points:

• Cosmeceuticals ≠ Medicines, they do not have therapeutic functions
• Relative safety ≠ Absolute safety
• Moisturization focused, cannot solve fundamental problems
• Rational selection, avoid over-reliance